Having been a teacher and a parent, Shannon O'Brien said she's come to realize just how important a parent's involvement is in his or her child's education.

That's why Fontana-based Children's Resources, the nonprofit organization she directs, will be offering a series of workshops aimed at empowering parents in San Bernardino with the knowledge they need to "maneuver through the school system," as she puts it.

"They're designed to build parents' confidence to help their children," O'Brien said about the workshops. "You don't necessarily have to know algebra or any subject to help your child. Once you know the resources in the community, you start to become empowered."

The workshops begin July 11 and will be held in the Family Resource Center of the San Bernardino City Unified School District. They are targeted to parents who have fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, but parents with younger children are also invited to attend.

Through personal discussions, she's inviting parents to share with each other what they know about local educational resources.

While the classes are open to any parent, the learning styles of black students will be particularly noted, along with how to teach those

students about their history and culture, O'Brien said.

But while this niche will be available for parents to glean from, there's also a more universal theme to the workshops.

"We want to also get them thinking about the world and how we're all one universe, all connected to each other and should be helping each other," O'Brien said. "It always comes back to all of us being connected."

Four themes cover the workshops: Understanding How Race and Culture Affect Classroom Learning, Bridging the Gap Between School and Home, Identifying and Appreciating Your Child's Learning Style, and Strategies to Encourage Your Child's Love of Learning.

Ternaz Butler, mother of Essence Crumble, 11, said she and her daughter are looking forward to the workshops, especially the targeted help for black parents and children.

"Knowing her black history would help her out a lot," Butler said about Essence. "The schools don't teach much

about it."

Essence has been involved with Children's Resources programs for about a year, and the organization is continuing to provide a consistent and positive message that education comes first, Butler said.

"It's actually a great development," she said. "It's getting with the kids and keeping them out of trouble... getting them on the right path, keep them focused on education."

O'Brien added that parents have the most educational influence on their childrens' lives, which is a point she'll stress through the workshops.

"A lot of parents underestimate their influence and power," she said. "If you demonstrate support outwardly, the child is seeing that. You are the best role model he or she has."

Matt Wrye can be reached at (909) 386-3890 or by e-mail at matthew.wrye@sbsun.com.